Please note: This is for information only.

Refer to local guidelines for treatment recommendations

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• Voriconazole is a synthetic antifungal agent belonging to the azole group. It inhibits the enzyme 14-alpha lanosterol and thereby disrupts the synthesis of ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane.
• Available in oral and intravenous formulations.
• Oral bioavailability is high (~96%) and tissue distribution is extensive.
• Elimination is by hepatic metabolism; no dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment, however, IV preparation should be avoided in patients with renal impairment as accumulation of the vehicle may occur
• Usual Adult dose: 400 mg every 12 hours for 2 doses then 200 mg every 12 hours (assuming body weight > 40 Kg).
• Numerous drug interactions.

Main indications

• Microbiology advice – restricted agent.
• Consultant approval as part of the haematology neutropenic sepsis protocol.

Active against most strains of:

• Candida spp.
• Aspergillus spp.
• Cryptococcus neoformans (inc. fluconazole-resistant strains)
• Dimorphic pathogens such as Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum
• Fusarium spp.
• Scedosporium spp.
• Penicillium marneffei
• Not active against most strains of:
• Zygomycetes (Mucor, Rhizpus and Absidia).